I'm not sure how the favorite (families have them) doing what the family wanted (becoming the one who is successful) is spiting anything.

And it sure would be funny if the calculator was a one-off instead of just one instance in a pattern of dysfunctional parenting that taught:

Son 1: The family will always have your back, no matter the outcome as; you'll be rewarded, so long as you try.

Son 2: No matter what you accomplish, you will be valued less.

Real laugh-riot there. Hope that clears things up.